Every year pets and wildlife are frightened because of illegal fireworks. Many of these frightened creatures never make it back home. In Vermont all fireworks are illegal for residents save sparkers and novelty smoking devices. Towns get permission to set them off near the Fourth of July so there is no excuse for the citizens to set them off whenever they choose.

I urge people to contact the police when their neighbors are setting them off and try to stop this practice. If you know of it happening, say something. Who knows, perhaps if they got enough complaints they would actually fine a couple people. Writing a letter now to the Public Safety Commissioner, Keith W. Flynn, 103 South Main St., Waterbury, VT, might help.

Send a letter to the governor to let him know it is time to close down the factories in Vermont selling these illegal devices. If you care about wildlife, pets, children’s safety, or your own sanity, it is time to take a stand.